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TWO 



SERMONS, 



DELIVERED 



AT EPSOM, NEW-HAMPSHIRE, 



ON THE DAY APFOINTED 



TOB THE A^XUAL '^TATE msl\ 

AN£> 

NATIONAL THANKSGIVING 

FOR PEACE, 

April 13, 1815. 



BF JOJfATHJl^" CtJUriS, Ji. M, 
Pastor of ihe Congregational Church in Epsom, 



}g!n5i!0Sea ^B Hequeist* 



iill^Wllill I III III 



COXCORD : 
PRINTED BY GEORGE HOUdll, 
1815, 



■ I 1 1 I** 



Bm-iR 



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jforeitoDit ;g)etmDii 



ISAIAH LVIII. 6. 

Ts not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands 
ofivickedness ? 

HERE is prefented a defcription of fincere, 
acceptable, and profitable falling. In verfes pre- 
ceding the text, the prophet deals in ievere re- 
proof with thofe, who fafted only in an outward, 
vain, and hypocritical manner. He would teach 
the people, that merely a formal obfervance of 
a day of fading would neither pleafe the Lord, 
nor profit thcmfelves. It is evident from the 
manner of the prophet's reproof, that thofe, whomi 
he was particularly addreffing, were fcrupuloufly 
exa(3: in obferving all the oftenfible forms of 
fading and penitence, while their hearts remain- 
ed unaffeded by all their fervices. '' Behold," 
fays he, " ye faft for flirife and debate, and to 
fmite with the fift of wickednefs ; ye fhall not 
faft as ye do this day, to make your voice to be 
heard on high." That is, Do not vainly imag- 
ine, that, without fincerity, the mod boifterous 
found of words will gain the ear of the holy and 
omnifcient Majeftyof heaven. He cannot be 
deceived. He is pcrfedly acquainted with every 
fecret defire of the foul. His attention can never 
be attracted by an empty found from a thought- 
lefs tongue, He will hear the prayer only of the 



4 

contrite and humble fpirit. *' Is it iucu a lalt that 
I have chofen ? a day for a man to afrli(3: his 
foul ?'* Is it a day for a man fupeiflitioully to 
bring pain upon his body ? or to feel a forrow 
merely becaufe he is expofed to punlfliment, and 
not primarily becaufe he is a fmful creature ? " Is 
it ie bow down "his head as a bulrufh, and to 
fpread fackcloth and afhes under him ?" Is it a 
day on which to pay a fandimonious obfervacce 
to merely outward ceremonies ? " Wilt thou 
call this a faft, and an acceptable day to the 
Lord ?" Then follows the text, which partic- 
ularly defcribcs in its connection the true dcfign 
of acceptable fading, "Is not this the faft that 
I have chofen ? to loofe the bands of wickednefs, 
to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the op- 
preflTed go free, and that ye break every yoke ? 
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and 
that thou bring the poor that are caft out to thy 
houfe ? when thou feeft the naked, that thou 
cover him ; and that thou hide not thyfelf from 
thine own flefh ?" 

The meaning of the phrafc, '^^ To loofe the 
bands of wickednefs," is very evidently the fame, 
as confeffing and forfaking fm. This meaning 
is prefented in the text with fufEcicat clcarnefs 
without a more particular comment. 

Such then appears to be the connexion of the 
words feleded, and fuch their meaning. They 
feem evidently fuited to lead us to a more exten- 
five confideration of the object of genuine, profit- 
able fafting. 

In order to derive the greateft profit from the 
general dodrine of the tfxt by viewing ii in as 



s 

clear light as poffible, let it receive our attention 
under the two following dlviCjons. 

I. Available fasting implies the 

CONFESSION AND REJECTION OF SIN ; 
AND, 

II. Such is the fasting^ that God 

HAS CHOSEN ; OR SUCH AS WILL BE AC- 
CEPTABLE TO HIM. 

7. yiFAILABLE FJSTING IMPLIES THE CON- 
FESSION AND REJECTION OF SIN, 

If we defire to fafl: in a manner, which will 
be acceptable to God and profitable to ourfelvcs, 
we (hould be careful to diftinguifh betw^een that 
falling, which the w'ord properly fignifies, viz., 
merely an abftinence from food, and thofe pen- 
itent exercifes of the foul, which fhould always 
be kept in view as the principal objed. Too 
much caution can hardly be ufed, left v/e vainly 
imagine, that, by ceafing from labor and ab- 
ftaining from food, we do all, which the defign 
of a day of failing requires. But doing no more 
than this is doing nothing to any good purpofe. 
All this we might obferve, and dill be fit fubjeds 
of the ancient reproof, " Ye fhall not fafl: as ye 
do this day." 

Inpurfuing the general defign propofed, let 
gur attention be direded, 

I. To (be importance of the confession of sin. 

In order to obferve that fpiritual fading, which 
alone can honor God or profit men, fm mnil le 
penitently confefled before Him, who alone has 
power 'o grant forgivenefs. 



6 

But how iliall wc properly confefs our fms be- 
fore the Lord, imlefs we feel our criminality? 
Without this, it cannot be done. Neither offen- 
ces againft God nor man will be confefled, while 
their author feels no confcioufnefs of blame. Sup- 
pofea man to have injured his neighbor in fome 
manner, and in a manner yery manifeft to all but 
himfelf ; and ftill, if he himfelf remain confident, 
that he has not injured his neighbor in deed, nor 
even in thought, he feels himfelf but poorly fitted 
to acknowledge faults, afk forgivencfs, and make 
fatisfadlion. This he cannot be expedled to do. 
Neither will any one be led to the confefRon of 
fins to Him, againft whom all fm is committed, 
unlefs he have a confcioufnefs of having comm.it- 
ted fins ;~unlefs he have a fcnfe of guilt. Man- 
kind are much too little prone to make an ingen« 
uous confeffion of their faults, when they fee 
them ; and much lefs difpofed are they to confefs 
faults, whofe exiftcnce they deny. In approach- 
ing God then in order to confefs our fins, the 
firit ftep muft be taken with a realizing fenfe of 
criminality. There are doubtlefs many, who do 
not view their own hearts as awfully polluted 
with fin. Many appear not to feel the force of 
the facred truth, that " the heart," the unfanct- 
ified heart, " is defperately vv^lcked." Nor do 
many realizejthat it " is deceitful above all things," 
and inclined to conceal its wickednefs from its 
own view j — inclined to deceive both itfelf and 
others. And particularly are thefe remarks ap- 
plicable to many, whofe manner of life, in the 
view of men, has been unexceptionable. Many, 
becaufe they have been upright and honorable in 
theli tranfadions with their fellow- men, and have 



7 

maintained the charadcr of good citizens,— are 
too apt to imagine, that they have, therefore, 
been juft in their conduct towards the Almighty, 
and, that he views them as blamelefs charadters. 
Too often is it the cafe, that mankind fancy the 
Almighty to be altogether fuch an one as them- 
felves ; that, like themfelves, he determines the 
charader from outward appearances. But it fliould 
ever be remembered, that, while " man looketh 
on the outward appearance, the Lord looketh oa 
the heart." He judges from the fecret feelings 
of the foul; — feelings unknown to all but Om- 
nifcience himfelf. 

But, if any are defirous of feeing the true ftate 
of their hearts, no method will be fo cfFedual, as 
comparing their feelings with the. equitable, the 
perfect law of God. It is by this law, that fin 
is made to appear " exceeding finful.'* By com- 
paring ourfelves by the divine requirements, ad! 
of which are perfedtly reafonable, we may at 
once fee how far fhort we have fallen of rendering 
them their due obedience. The holy law com- 
mands us to love the Lord with all our heart. 
This reafonable command, we fhould remember, 
*' is exceeding broad.'* It requires us continually 
to regard Jehovah with the pureft and highefl: 
love ;— to efteem him far above all created good. 
While confidering the extent of this requirement, 
it becomes us to inquire of ourfelves, whether 
we have not, in many inftances, violated fome 
other of the divine commands befide the firft. 
For, if any other command has been broken, it 
is a certain evidence, that the firft has not been 
obferved according to its true meaning. To love 
God with alhbe heart requires our higheft regard 



for his chatader during thfc whol5 period of ottr 
cxiftence. If, therefore, any one of the com-' 
jnaads of God he violated, it (hows at-once, that 
guilt is likevvife incurred from a breach of the 
foft and great command. For it is impofTible, 
that God ihould be regarded with feelings of holy 
love, and, at the fame time, that any of his com- 
mands, by the fame perfon, Ihould be violated* 
The fuppoficion prefents a grofs abfurdity. — By 
the (Iriifl and holy lavr of God, let our characters 
be compared. And, on this day, fet apart by 
public authority agreeably to the highly proper 
cuftom of our pious anceftors " for public fading, 
humiliation, and prayer," let us all endeav- 
or to feel intereftcd in the defign of the day. Let 
us dihgently and prayerfully examine our pad 
lives, and efpecially during the laft year ; and be 
willing to fee without difguife the true, though 
frightful catalogue of our fms. Let us not fhrink 
from the inquiry, hov^ever painful ; for now is 
the time to profit from it. God mod certainly 
views our hearts as they are, whether we are 
willing thus to view them or not. Let the life 
be carefully examined, and compared with that 
perfe<fl law, which we have been confidering. 
This is the only true method, by which to de- 
termine the weight of guilt impending over every 
ofFender againfi: God. — Let each one inquire thus 
of himfelf. In the firft place, have I ever loved 
God with all my heart ? Have I been invariably 
aduated during my whole life by a regard for his 
glory ? For, if this has not been the cafe, I have 
fallen criminally Ihort of my duty. Every one 
is certainly accountable for the influence, which 
he bears in focicty. And has all my influence, 



9 

whether fmall or great, been devoted to God? 
Has it been employed in a manner, and in the 
beft manner poffible for me to ufe it, to increafe 
the profperity of religion ? Might I have made 
any more exertions, the probable confequence of 
ivhich would have been the increafe of the inter- 
eft of the Redeemer in the world ? Havs I in- 
variably maintained fuch conduct towards my 
fellow-men, as, upon rational and chriftian prin- 
ciples, I ought to expert from them ? In a word, 
have I invariably obeyed all the divine com- 
mands ? — Where is the individual, who dares af- 
firm, all this I have done ? It is prefumed, fuch 
an one cannot be found. Great then is the weight 
of guilt hanging on every foul. — But inquiry 
ihould not ftop here. Mankind are naturally 
difpofed not merely to negledt thofe things, which 
they ought to do ; but to do thofe things, which 
they ought not. And, on this fide, let the in- 
quiry be extended. Have I never, in any man- 
ner, cheriflied an evil difpofition towards any of 
my fellow-creatures ? Further than this, — have 
I never a^ually injured any one by ilander, by 
fraud, by theft, or in fome other mann^.; ? Have 
I never perverted the objed of my exi'dence by 
intemperance ? Have I never fpoken lightly or 
contemptuoufly of the facred truths of the Bible, 
or of the caufe of religion ? Have I never, in any 
manner, profaned the holy Sabbath of reft ? 
Have I never ihoughtlefsly and blafphemoufly 

ufed the name of the holy God of heaven ? 

Will not fairhful confcience conftrain many to 
acknowledge, that fome, or all ihefe ftns are 
theirs ? But, on this point, why need I dwell \ 



iO 



Can the perlbn be found, who, after faithfulljT 
icarching his own heart and comparing it with 
the Word of unerring truth, would not acknowl- 
edge himfelf a great finner ? RefleQion, it would 
feem, could hardly fail to lead every one to feel 
the grievous v^eight of guilt hanging upon his 
own foul, and for which he muft anfwer before 
the Judge of all the earth. Where can the perfon 
be found, who is not guilty to a great degree of 
the fin of ingratitude ? Who can enumerate the 
favors of ^n indulgent Providence, of which he 
is made the conibnt partaker ? How criminally 
fhort of duty do the moft pious fall in often for- 
getting the kind hand, which leads and fuftains 
them ! The bleffings of Heaven flow on every 
fide. Often we receive them in an unexpected 
and furprifing manner. But O, how feldom do 
they caufe due gratitude to the Giver ! Who 
can fay, that he has not been very criminal-^ 
ly ungrateful for the many| good things, 
which God has kindly beftowed ? Whofe grat- 
itude has arifen equal to the favors, which God 
has granted individuals, communities, our coun- 
try, and the world ? Who is not guilty of long 
abufmg the mercy of God ? even the mercy pre- 
fented by the condefcending overtures of the Gof- 
pel ? And are there not many, who even now, 
after fo long a time, are rcfufing to hear the voice 
of mercy, and are continuing to harden their 
hearts ? — But perhaps enough has been faid upon 
the numerous ways, in which fm may be incur- 
red. Could we fee our hearts as they are, how 
contaminated with fm muft they appear I 

But it is by no means fufficient, that the un- 
deiftanding be convinced of the fmfulnefs of the 



II 

heart. A perfon may be conftralned to acknowl- 
edge himfelf a great Tinner without being at-all 
affeded with his fituation ; — without feeling the 
ieaft degree of penitence. This leads me to ob- 
ferve, that, in order for a perfon rightly to con- 
fefs his fms before an offended God, he muft feel 
forrowful, humble, penitent in view of them. 
And the folc ground of his forrow (hould be, 
not becaufe he has cxpofed himfelf to mifery ; 
but becaufe he has difobeyed and offended a holy 
God ; — becaufe he has done evil. A foul with 
thefe views of fin is then prepared to approach 
the mercy-feat with a confeflion of fmcerity, and 
thankfully to receive forgivenefs. Only the foul, 
that fees the odious nature of fin, exercifes an 
abhorrence towards it, and feels its burden, is 
prepared to make fuch a confeiTion before the 
Lord, as he will be pleafed in mercy to hear. 

That it is our duty humbly and penitently to 
confefs our fins before the Lord, we are frequent- 
ly taught in the Scriptures. This is inculcated 
by Jofhua's diredion to Achan. *• Jofhua faid 
unto Achan, My fon, give, I pray thee, glory 
to the Lord God of Ifrael, and make confefTion 
unto him." The Ifraelites are thus exhorted, 
" Now, therefore, make confefTion unto the Lord 
God of your fathers." In another place, the 
declaration of the Almighty is, " I will go and 
return to my place till they acknowledge their of- 
fence and feek my face." We are prcfented in 
the Scriptures with many examples of the con- 
feffion of both private and public fins. *' How 
many," faith Job, " arc mine iniquities and fins? 
Make me to know my tranfgrefTion and my Tin." 
Ac:ain, '* Behold, I am vile; what fliall I an- 



12 

fwer thee? I vvlli lay mine hand upon my mouth." 
The Pfalnuil of Ifracl lays, '' I viiW declare mine 
iniquity, I will be forry for my fin." Again, 
" I acknowledged my fin unto thee, and mine 
iniquity have I not hid. I faidj I will confefs 
my tranfgreffions unto the Lord j and thou for- 
gaveft the iniquity of my lin, I acknowledge 
mv tranfgreflions ; and my fin is ever before me." 
— Many are alfo the examples of the confeflion 
of public fin8. The pious Ezra, in prayer, con- 
fefles the fin of his people. " O my God, I am 
afhamed and blulh to lift up my face to thee, my 
God : for our iniquities are incrcafed over our 
head, and our trefpafs is grown up unto the heav- 
ens." Of the propriety and importance of con- 
feffing public fins in fading, Nehemiah has given 
us an impreflive example. Hear his own ac- 
count of his conduct, after he was informed of 
the afflidlion and reproach of his people and the 
ruin of the beautiful city of Jerufalem. " And it 
came to pais, when I heard thefe words, that I 
fat down and wept, and mourned certain days, 
and fafted, and prayed before the God of heaven, 
and faid, 1 befeech thee, O Lord God of heaven, 
the great and terrible God, that kecpeth covenant 
and mercy for them that love him, and obferve 
his commandments; let thine ear now be atten- 
tive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayefl: hear 
the prayer of thy fervant, which I pray before 
thee nuv;', day and night, for the children of 
Ifrael thy fervants, and confefs the fins of the 
children of Ifrael, which we have finned againil 
thee : both I and my father's houfe have finned. 
We have dealt very corruptly againd thee, and 
have not kept the commandments, nor the ftat- 



»3 
utes, nor the judgments, which thou comriiandeft 
thy fervant Mofes." 

But not only docs true falling imply the cow 
fession of fm ; bur, 

2. The REJECTION or FORSAKING of it. 

It is impoffible, that a perfon fhould penitently 
confcfs his fms before God, that is, with a tem- 
per abhorrent from fin, and, that fin, at the 
fame time, lliould be his delight. The forfaking 
of fin is therefore neceffarily connected with a 
penitent, a cordial confeffion of it. Renouncing 
fm merely bccaufe it is wrong, or out of true love 
and obedience to God, is one of the fureft evi- 
dences, that the heart has been prepared fincerely 
and penitently to confefs it. That forfaking fin 
fhould ever be connected with the main defign of 
fading is evident as well from reafoUjas from Rev- 
elation. Reafon plainly teaches us, that wick- 
ednefs fliould be forfaken in order to exped: for- 
givenefs for the commifTion of it. For how is it 
poffible, that the heart ihould be difpleafed and 
difgufted with any objed ; and, at the fame time, 
cherifh and purfue that objed ? It cannot be pof- 
fible. The fuppofition is contrary to the nature 
of man. That only the kind of fafting, which 
implies forfaking fin, will be acceptable to God 
or profitable to men, is evident from the obvious 
meaning of the text. " Is not this the faft that 
I have chofen? to loofe the bands of wicked nefs?" 
From the text and its connection, it is evident, 
that forfaking fin generally, and particularly the 
finofopprelfion, is the moft prominent feature in 
the requirement. Often, in the Scriptures, is 
the rejedion or forfaking of fin inculcated. *' He 
that covererh his fin^- fha!! not profper ; but whoio 



14 

confefieth and forfaketh them fliall hate mercy.'* 
" Forfake the foolifh." " Let the wicked forfake 
his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts : 
and let him return unto the Lord." 
We are now prepared to fhow, 
IL That sugh is the fasting, that 
God has chosen; or such, as will be 
acceptable to him. 

This is a plain dodlrine from the text. And 
elfewhere God has made many and gracious 
promifes to a penitent confeffion of fin. " If ye 
do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, 
and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and ferve 
him only, he will deliver you. If thou return 
to the Almighty, thou flialt be built up. Re- 
turn, thou backfliding Ifrael, faith the Lord, and 
I will not caufe mine anger to fall upon you. 
Thus faith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with 
all your heart, and with fafting, and with weep- 
ing, and with mourning, and rend your hearts 
and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord 
your God ; for he is gracious and merciful, flow 
to anger, and of great kindnefs, and repenteth 
him of the evil. If we confefs our fms, he is faith- 
ful and juft to forgive our fins, and to cleanfe us 
from all unrightcoufnefs. Whofo confefieth and 
forfaketh them [his fins] fhall have mercy.'' 
Speaking of rebellious Ifrael, the Lord has made 
the following merciful and encouraging promife. 
*' If they fliall confefs their iniquity, and the ini- 
quity of their fathers, with their trefpafs which 
they trefpaffed againft me, and that alfo they 
have walked contrary unto me ; — if then their 
vmcircumcifed hearts be humbled, and they then 
accept of the punilhment of their iniquity : then 



15 

will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and 
alfo my covenant with Ifaac, and alfo my cove- 
nant with Abraham will I remember ; and I will 
remember the land." To fuch fpiritual fafting, 
or true penitence as we have already dcfcribcd, 
God furcly would never have made fuch prom- 
ifes of favor as he has made, were it not accept- 
able to him. — Thus does it appear, that available 
fafting implies the confeffion and rejc<ftion of fm ; 
and, that fuch fafting is acceptable to God. And, 
as no other kind of fafting is any where author- 
ifed, we may juftly conclude, that this is the 
only kind of fafting, which he will accept. 

In clofmg this fubjcd, let me, my hearers, 
moft earneftly entreat you not to confider all in- 
terefted in this fubjedt but yourfelves. Make in- 
dividually the moft candid examination of your 
own hearts. Strive to view them, as they are 
viewed by an omnifcient God. See if you find 
not entwined around them the bands of wicked 
thoughts. Nay, fee if they are not bound in fins, 
that meet the public eye. It well becomes chrif- 
tians, while they remember, that " there is no 
man that liveth and finneth not," ftill to aim at 
entire freedom from the bands of wickednefs. 
Well may they mourn, if ever they are bound 
for a moment to any forbidden objed:. — But arc 
there not many, who have never yet been freed 
from complete confinement under the bonds of 
iniquity ? Do any feel, that they have never 
known the enjoyment of the glorious liberty of the 
fons of God ? Do any feel their guilt to be a heavy 
burden ? Then, where it is realized that fin has 
thus abounded, let true repentance, faith, and 



i6 

lovcj the iuiell marks of purifying grace, equally 
abound, lake with you tvords ; and let your 
conftant and fervent fupplication be, '*OLord> 
hear ; O Lord, forgive." 



:^fterttODtt Sermon. 



ISAIAH XLV. f, 

/ make peace, 

WERK chrlftian nations, after receiving an^^ 
remarkable favor, to difregard the hand of God 5 
pious heathen, for we hope there are fuch, would 
tife in judgment againft them. The great body 
of the pagan world have never been perfuaded, 
that the wifefl: and beft human exertions could 
not alone enfure profperity. They have ever 
felt their dependance upon fomething ; but, upon 
what, they often found a difficulty in explaining. 
The moft learned and rational of the heathen 
world, however, have generally fuppofed their 
dependance to be upon fome being or beings of 
wifdom and power fuperiorto man. The ancient 
Greeks and Romans, probably the moft learned 
heathen nations, that ever exifted, believed in 
the exiftence of a family of deities ; and a family 
much more extenfive too, than is maintained in 
the creed of any modern divines. They fup- 
pofed, that different parts of the world and the 
various employments of men had each its fuper- 
intending deity. They likev/ife fuppofed, thai: 
all thefe were dependent deities, and all fiibjeiit to 
one, who was fapreme, and whom the Romans 
denominated Juplterr But we have reafon to 



i8 

foppofe It their general belief, that even Jupiter 
himfelf was not peifedly independent ; but fre- 
quently under the contr©! of what they termed 
the fates ; probably underflanding about the fatne 
by their terra , as v;e do by the more familiar 
v;ord chance. A defcription of all the charaders, 
offices, and relationfhip of their deities, and the 
abfurdities thence arifing, would furnifh the con- 
tents for many volumes. But notwithftanding 
all the abfurdities and delufions of pagan nations ; 
ftill accounts of their grateful fenfe of favors and 
apparent piety- — often call reproach on condu(ft 
■of nations, who glory in religion of a more con- 
fiftent form and purer tendency. Seldom would 
they undertake any important enterprife without 
imploring the aid of fome deity. And feldom 
did they experience any remarkable interpofition 
in their favor — -without acknowledging their obli- 
gations and manifefting their gratitude to fome 
iuperior power. Many inftances occur, which 
prove their belief of fome kind of a divine control 
over the affairs of men, and evince their grateful 
fenfe of favors. Let one among many be given, 
' — At a time, when the learned Cicero was confu! 
in the Roman republic, we are informed, that 
an extenfive con {piracy was planned, the objedt 
of which was firfi: to take the life of Cicero and of 
other diftinguifiied charaders ; to fire the city of 
Rome ; and then feize on the government. On- 
ly on the evening before the time appointed for 
its execution, the whole confpiracy was difclofed 
to Cicero through the information of a private 
individual, who happened to gain knowledge of 
it. Upon receiving intelligence of the contem- 



19 

plated defign, Cicero Immediately adnpfed inch 
efficient meafures to guard himfelf and the city^ 
that the confpirators feared to commence theii 
bloody work. The whole deilgn proved abor- 
tive, and the city was faved. Now obferve the 
condud of this Cicero, who had nothing but the 
light of nature from v/hich to learn his religion^ 
Though he had himfelf difplayed great wifdom 
in his precautionary and defeniive arrangements j 
and though love of applaufe was perhaps his 
greatefl: failing ;— yet he appears convinced, ihac 
the prefervation of the city depended on fome- 
thing deeply concealed from human forefight. 
He immediately affembles the ofEcers of govern- 
ment, and, after defcribing in a moving and el- 
oquent ftyle the imminent danger, to which 
themfelves, their friends, and the city, had been 
expofed, and alfo the means employed for the 
public fafety ;— he very earneftly recommends a 
public decree of thankfgiving to Jupiter for the 
remarkable prefervation. Such a decree was ac- 
cordingly pafled, a careful obfervance of which 
he enjoins on the people univerfally. — And, if a 
fignal prefervation of the Almighty among pagans 
could excite their thankfulnefs to their imaginary 
benefador, — to a fenfelefs image ; — fhall we, 
after receiving by the intcrpofuion of that fame 
Almighty Being fo great a favor as peace with 
our enemies, and when, by light from Heaven, 
%ve may read our obligations to this Being j-^ 
fhall w^e neglect to raife to him the warme(» 
gratitude of our hearts ? Should we negled to do 
this, pagan nations not only ; but the brutal 
world, and even inanimate creation would cry 



20 

out againfl: us in the bittereft reproaches. For 
even the ox knows his owner, and, if not treated 
with the cruelty of fome inaftcrs, will dumbly 
mean his gratitude lor kindnefs. And can man, 
who calls his own rank among other beings ex- 
alted, forget thankfully to acknowledge the daily 
bleffipgs, and efpecially the iignal bleffings, which 
he receives from his Beneiador, his Preferver, 
his Creator ?- — Were goodnefs ncceflarily connect- 
ed with high rank and exalted abilities, this coul4 
not be the cafe. "Were man dif}3ofed to a6l a part 
becoming the eminence, on which he ftands, he 
could not refrain from manifefting his gratitude, 
his reverence and love to the great Fountain of 
every good. 

in the higheft degree proper then is it, when 
the welcome found of peace is again heard in our 
land, that we fliould unitedly, publicly, and fin- 
cerely exprefs our higheft gratitude to that God, 
who has dlredcd the event. For God has ex- 
prefsly informed us in the text, that he does make 
peace. 

The words, fele£led for the ^iredlon of our 
thoughts, feem adapted to lead us to inquire, 

I. In what manner God causes peace 

BETWEEN NATIONS J WHICH WILL NATUR- 
ALLY LEAD US, 

II. To AN ENUMERATION OF THE GJlEAT- 
T^ST ADVANTAGES OF THE RETURN OP 
PEACE ; AND 

III. To CONSIDER THEM AN ABUNDANT 
CAUSE OF THANKSGIVING TO GoP. 



21 

i. In what manner dols God cause 

PEACE BETWEEN NATIONS ? 

He caufes peace by giving a pacific dHpofition 
to thoie, who dired: the public affairs of the na- 
tions contending. That God does dire<5l the 
hearts of men is one of the plaineft doctrines of 
the Bible. " The king's heart is in the hand of 
the Lord ; as the rivers of water, he turneth it 
v/hitherfoever he will." To the fame effcdt it is 
fftid, " The preparations of the heart in man, and 
the anfwer of the tongue is from the Lord." 
Thefe preparations of the heart to fuit his wife 
defigns he caufes through the inftru mentality of 
motives. The truth of this affertion is too evident 
both from reafon and Revelation to need at this 
time a particular proof. When two nations have 
commenced hoftilities, if God fhould view them 
ripe for defl:ru<5lion, he might with the grcateft 
eafe fo balance their ftrength, their fuccefTes, and 
their intereft, and, in this manner, fo continue 
their hoftiledifpofition, that they would not kave 
the conteft, till both were deftroyed. But, when 
be fees fome greater good in view by fparing them 
Hill longer, he fo orders events in his providence, 
that the contending nations find their intereft in 
being reconciled to each other. We can eaiily 
conceive, that a fingle victory on one fide, and 
ihe ccnfequent defeat on the other — might fo 
operate on both fides as to be a fufficient motive 
for the ceflation of hoftilities, and an amicable 
fettlement of every fubjed: of contention. And, 
in methods innumerable, and often nnfsen by 
(iiortals, by prefenLing fufficient motives in the 
arrangement of his providence, God often com- 
pofes enrrv£<^d and contending nations to peace^ 



22 

Thus IS he always the real, piimary caule, when- 
ever peace is eflablifhed. 
We are now led, 

III. To AN ENUMERATION OF THE 
GREATEST ADVANTAGES OF THE RETURN 

OF PEACE. And, 

I, Peace announces the cessation of a great loss 
and expense of property^ ivJjich are always^ to a 
greater or less degree ^ the consequence of a state of 
war. 

So long as our country continues its extenfive 
commercial purfuits, whenever it is engaged in a 
war, which endangers the immenfc property 
fpread in times of peace over every feaand ocean, 
fevere loflcs both public and private muft inevit- 
ably follow. Much muft alfo be loft through 
the want of employment for the mariner ; much 
in the price of articles for exportation ; and much 
in the decay of the vefTels defigned to convey 
them. In other ways too numerous to be men^- 
tioned,muft lofles be experienced in time of war. 

No war can be maintained for any confiderable 
length of time, unlefs by remarkably prudent 
economy, v^rithhout Incurring an enormous ex- 
pen fe. Armies and navies muft be fupported, 
and numerous raeafures of defence adopted. But 
peace brings with it the agreeable intelligence, that 
luch fevere loffes may no longer be expected ; 
that fuch extraordinary expe*.^fes are no longei 
neceilary. 

2. Peace amiounces the cessation of the extra- 
ordinary work of death ^ which is the ijivariable 
consequence of a state of war. 



During a ftate of hoftilities, great is the ex- 
pofure of the heahh and the life. Sicknefs in the 
camp and the fword on the field vie with each 
other in the work of death. How deftru£live the 
foldier's diet and habits arc to the heahh of thofe, 
unaccuftomed to a military life, experience has 
but too fadly proved. By indolence at one time^ 
and exceflive fatigue at another ; by the want 
of proper clothing and (belter from a northern 
atmofphere ; by increafed vice at home, and 
crowded, noifome prifons abroad ; by other 
means arifmg from a ftate of war, too numerous 
indeed to be diftindly mentioned, are thoufands 
fuddcnly called from life. Many lives, and often 
lives valuable to fociety, and perhaps none with- 
out a mourner, muft be untimely ended. The 
brave and valuable are often the moft expofed, 
and many loffesof this kind, in a time of hoftil- 
ities, a country muft expedl to fuftain. Hun- 
dreds, in one fatal hour, are often hurried 
thoughtlefs and unprepared into the eternal 
world. A folemn reflection to a pious mind ? 
But peace gives us the joyful information, that 
fuch fcenes of untimely death are ended. — And 
this leads me to obferve again, 

3. T^hai the arrival of peace removes from many 
a breast much painful anxiety. 

In many parts ofoui country, during the late war, 
and efpecially in fea-portSj painful indeed muft 
have been the anxiety of thoufands for the fafety 
of their property and their perfons. Frequent 
and diftreffing was the alarm excited in many 
places. Many were long compelled to confider 



^4 

thci queiUon a doubifui one, whether anoiher rii'-^ 
ing fun would difcover their property in ruins, 
and theinfelves in the hands of an enemy. Sucli 
a rtate nrjR be one of very painful anxiety. 

Think how many thoufands are required to 
compofe an army, or the armies of two contend- 
ing nations, and are fubjecfted to the expofurc of 
the dangers of war. And then think how many- 
more thoufands, though not expofed to imme- 
diate danger themfelves, are at home full of pain- 
ful anxiety for the fafely of their abfent friends. 
The found of every diftant cannon pierces fomc 
tender mother's heart ; and perhaps a meffenger 
muft foon inform her, that the father too was ill 
the battle,-— fought bravely,— but — was not made 
prifoner. How many anxioufly watch every 
palling mail, every travelling ftranger, to learn, 
whether a father, a brother, afon, a hurpand— 
are prifoners in a diftant land, among the flain, 
or ftill alive wath friends. During a period of 
^var, how many, wakeful at the filcnt, midnight 
hour, view by imagination fome abfent relative 
performing the fentinel's duty with only an in- 
clement fky for his covering ; and perhaps too, 
cautioufly picking his way among the dead around 
him I Scenes like thefe are only the common 
fcencs of war. And, when any have abfent 
friends thus expofed, fo long as humanity re- 
mains the fame, they cannot refrain from anxiety. 
Painful is the anxiety endured for the return of 
friends, who have long been expofed to ihe dan- 
gers of war. How anxious to fee, whether they 
return with all their limb?, or have left a part ia 
a diftan: land ! How anxious to know, whether 



25 

fevcre wounds have impaired their rcafon ! Bill 
many mufl; wait the return of friends in vain. 
Many can never enjoy even the painful fatisfac- 
tion of viewing the earth, that covers their Hfe~ 
lefs clay. But the return of peace removes all 
that painful anxiety, which a ftatc of war un- 
avoidably excites. 

4. The return of peace presents our country with 
an opportunity of resuming numerous employments^ 
vuhich produce individual and national wealth and 
happiness. 

Numerous mechanical arts, peace will again 
bring into exercife. The ihip-builder may again 
prepare his tools ; the failor fwing his pack and 
make for the water ; the merchant brufh his 
Ihelves, and expe£l fome gain with every eaftern 
breeze. Many produdions of our fertile foil, 
Ivhich hax^e long remained inadive in the ftore- 
houfe, will now folicit many hands to diftribute 
them to the nations of the world. Soon fiiall 
the trade winds again be wafting onward fome 
American merchaadife ; and foon fhall every 
tranfient breeze fill fome American fail. Again 
may the millions of China be greatly afTifted in 
the fupport of life by our receiving their pro- 
dudions ; and again may the American farmer 
feed the hungry European mechanicjand perhaps 
be well paid for his kindnefs. Other ufeful and 
profitable employments too numerous to be dif- 
tindly mentioned will again prefent themfelves 
to the hands of the laborer. 

4 



26 

5". Pddcc will have a tendency to diminish the 
prevalence of vice and iminoraliiy. 

The camp is always proverbial for wickednefs 
of almoft every deicription. And the greater the 
number there taught the principles of vice,andthe 
longer they there remain, the more extenfive 
and pernicious will be their example. In an 
army, where few reftraints are impofed ; where 
tnuch leifure is afforded ; and where are collcd:- 
ed many charaders of the vileft ftamp ; fchemes 
of wickednefs are matured, and carried to fuch 
an alarming degree, as to bear away all the 
bounds ofmoralltv, and even of common decen- 
cy. If man is naturally inclined to evil, as the 
Scriptures teach, and experience and obfervation 
prove ; what fituation could be more deftrudive 
to the morals and the happinefs of all, and ef- 
pecially of volatile youth, than a familiar ac- 
quaintance with fuch examples ? But the cef- 
fation of hoftilities removes many a giddy youth 
from fuch dcftrudive fcenes, and rcftores him to 
the falutary influence of more virtuous fociety. 
Thoufands will the return of peace doubtlefs ref- 
cue from the fnares of fatan and the gulf of 
ruin. 

6. Peace presents the prospect of the advance- 
ment of morality and religion. 

It gives thoufands, who had long been de- 
prived of the privilege, an opportunity of read- 
ing the Scriptures, where they can do it without 
difgrace and infult ; of regularly attending the 
public worfliip of God, and the ordinances of re- 
ligion. It recalls them from the fchool of vice. 



37 



froiti the daily and deftriii^ilve inilaence of bad 
examples to the fociety of thofe, by whom mo- 
rality of conduct is more generally confidcrcd an 
excellence. — Many, who have been much em- 
barraiTcdin their pecuniary circumftances, will 
now feel an ability more extenfively to fupport 
the inftitiitions, and aid the caufe of religion. 
Much more abundant generally will be the means 
for promoting religion in our own, and in other 
countries. Many obftrud:ions in the way of 
fending the Gofpel to the deftitute abroad, by 
the return of peace, will be removed. In ways 
too numerous to be diftindly mentioned, will the 
caufe of Chriftianity receive additional ftrength, 
—And, as another happy confequence of the re- 
turn of peace, may we not with much fatisfadiou 
likcwifc mention, ^ 

'7. The probable moderation of that moknt party-^ 
spirit^ which has so unhappily distracted our 
land ? 

Now peace is reftored to Europe* and to this 
country, except the war againft the piratical Al- 
gerines, in which we all agree, what can remain, 
and what fhall be allowed, to interrupt our po- 
litical harmony ? In the general principles of 

■^ Since the above was written, Bonaparte has again ar- 
rived in France, and warlike measures are in operation in 
many parts of E*drope. Should a distressing war ensue, 
we have much reason to believe, that the time of its con- 
tinuance v/ill be short, and that Europe will soon again be 
blessed with a universal peace. But, whether a war be suf- 
fered long to distract the nations of Europe, or peace be 
soon established, why need we be poisoned with their poli- 
tics t Why need we cross the Atlantic to destroy our- 
selves ? 



28 

our form of government all agree. Why then 
ihould animofities arife about particular favorite 
men ? — We furely have great reafon to believe, 
and it becomes us to indulge the belief with much 
fatisfadion and thankfulncfs, that the prefent fit- 
nation of our own country and of Europe will 
be inftrumental of removing in a great meafure 
thofe nominal political diftiniHiions, which have 
heretofore created fo much unhappinefs. What is 
there in our future profpedls, in which we may 
not be agreed ? Why fliould the v^ell difpofed be 
led aftray by the fidions of demagogues, and by 
a mere found of words ? Let not the knov>^ledge 
of a man's political name be conlidered the only 
prerequifite in order to determine, whether he is 
qualified to hold a public office. For it is certain, 
that the general nominal diftindions ufed to de- 
signate the parties, that have exifted, do not in- 
variably mark the political creed of thofe, to 
whom they have been applied. On many fub- 
jeds, there is a material difference, which fads 
have proved, in the fentiments of thofe confider- 
ed of the fame party. But always let the firfl 
inquiry refpeding a candidate for public office be 
this ; Does Ms life prove ^ that he is actuated by tbs 
true principles of Christianity f And then, Does 
he possess other qualifications requisite for the ojice f 
If piety and ability can be found united, and we 
hope they can, no reafon can be given, why 
thefe fliould not direift our public intereds; bul 
many can be given, why they should. If our 
happy Republic be deftined to deltrudion, \ti \l 
be deflroyed by good men. But, under the di- 
i'eclion of good men, It will cndiuc the fhock of 



29 

ages without alarm or injury. For their fake it 
would long be fpared. 

But, if, upon certain fubjeds, there fhould 
ftill remain a difference in opinion, can any rea- 
fon be given, why this difference fliould inter- 
rupt the fricndfhip and happinefs of fociety ? 
Certainly none. It becomes us ever to remem- 
ber, that others have the fame right to their opin- 
ions, that we have to ours. AH have a civil right 
to believe what they pieafe ; but, when furnifhcd 
with all ncceffary evidence, no moral right to 
believe any thing but truth. But, for the abufe 
of the latter, we are not to account to civil author^ 
ity ; but to God, who judgeth the heart. When- 
ever politics is the fubjecfll: of converfation, it is 
the duty of all ever to obferve the fame candor 
and moderation, which are neceffary when con« 
verfing upon any of the other concerns of life. 
And to thofe, who defire to promote the peace 
and happinefs of fociety, the obfervance of two, 
fliort, and iimple rules, may not be altogether un- 
profitable, Firft, Be sure never to advance any 
thing fir truths which is not well known and es- 
tablished as such; and fecondly. Make a law 
iviih yourselves never to suffer passion to rise in the 
least degree.— But the mention of every advan- 
tage refulting from the return of peace need not; 
be expe£led at the prefent time. What have 
been mentionedj if the mod prominent and dif- 
tinguifhed, it is hoped, will lead the mind to the 
reft. 

It becomes the object of this day as well, as 
regard for the recommendation of the Prefident^ 
v;hile we make the bl'^iling of peace the burden 



30 

of our fong of pralfe, not to forget the former 
goodnefs of God towards our native land.— He 
guided and fupported our fathers while feeking a 
retreat from oppreffion. He taught the foreft 
and the moft ftubborn favage to bow before them. 
He enabled the country in the days of its youth 
to maintain the rights of men. He gave us a 
Wafhington, the defender of freedom, the phi- 
lanthropift, the chriftian, the boaft of his coun- 
try. It was from the great Fountain, that wif- 
d©m was received for the formation of a conftitu- 
tion of government, which, though doubtlefs im- 
perfe^:, has long excited the envy and the admi- 
ration of the world. — -In the late war, in which 
we have been engaged, he has remarkably pre- 
fervcd the lives of our citizens, and blefled their 
exertions in defending our territory, the precious 
inheritance from our fathers. 

All thefe favors may well lead us to our 

III. Subject of consideration, viz. 

THAT THEY ARE AN ABUNDANT CAUSE OF 
THANKSGIVING TO GoD. 

We have feen, that he is the Author of peace 
with all its attendant bleffings. We have feen 
how great are the advantages attending the wel- 
come return of peace. Many of thefe have been 
mentioned. And even for which one of them, 
could we refrain to manifed to God our thank— 
fulnefs ? Who would not confidcr it a benefit tO) 
have the great expenfes ceafe, which arife fromi 
aftate of war? Surely every one muft confider this 
alone as fufiicient caufe for unfeigned gratitude. 



# 32 

It certainly becomes all to rejoice at any evenr, 
which has a tendency to moderate that excellive 
political zeal, which has produced fo much evil 
in our country. — Great indeed will the favor be 
efteemed by our citizens univerfally, and cfpe- 
cially by many deftitute fuiFerers, that they are 
again permitted to refume their accuftomed oc- 
cupations. — That our nation is again free from 
the painful anxiety of war ; that itg difmal found 
is no longer heard ; that we are relieved from 
diftrefling fear for the fafety of our perfons, out 
property, our friends, and our country, is wor- 
thy of our grateful remembrance,— -Moft willing 
indeed (hould be our thank-offering, that God 
has been pleafed, by the return of peace, to length- 
en out the lives of many of our countrymen. And 
a greater, far greater caufe of thankfgiving is it 
ftill, if, by this event, the prevalence of vice is 
diminiflied, and morality and religion increaf- 
cd. — If each of the favors mentioned is worthy to 
excite our fmceie gratitude to him, who is the 
primary Author of peace ; how great fhould be 
our tribute of thankfgiving to him for all thefe 
favors united ? For all thefe unmerited bleffings 
let us enter his gates with thankfgiving, and his 
courts with praife. O praife the Lord, for he is 
good, and his mercy endurcth forever. Biefs 
the Lord, O our fouls. 




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